A NYT article on the Short North and local gay population.

Hello, Columbus

 

Travel  By TIM MURPHY November 12, 2010, 11:28 am

 

Lean, tattooed and hunky in the way of a young Henry Rollins, Brian  Reaume is living the life of a gay indie Brooklyn or Bay Area artist. He  lives in what real estate agents call a ‘‘transitional’’ neighborhood,  in a house filled with midcentury furniture and quirky art by him and  his friends. In a small shop on a funky strip of cafes, bars and  galleries, he sells his paintings along with the vintage housewares that  he collects with the shop’s co-owner, Nancy Carlson, who lives  upstairs. Two years ago he created ‘‘There’s No Truth in Silence,’’ an  installation in his studio — which is among a warren of artists’ spaces  in an old warehouse — that drew thousands one weekend with its  controversial use of the American flag, a swastika, a cross and a chair  emblazoned with the word ‘‘fag.’’

 

But the life that Reaume leads isn’t in Brooklyn or San Francisco.  His tatty-cool neighborhood isn’t Bushwick or the Tenderloin; it’s  Kenmore Park in northeast Columbus, Ohio, in, as he put it to me on a  recent visit, ‘‘a very good pocket in the middle of the ghetto.’’ And  that funky strip with his shop, Birchwater Studios, is North High Street  in Columbus’s Short North, which has gone from sketchy to stylish in  the past 15 years.

 

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/hello-columbus/

Good article. Glad to see Cbus getting some well-deserved attention.

 

I didn't realize Cbus has a higher gay population percentage than Chicago.

Agreed, good article.  Columbus has a national reputation for its thriving gay scene.  The only negative thing I found with the article is a hint of condescension...but that is typical of the NYT to anything in "Flyover Country".  They seem completely surprised that anything remotely civilized or sophisticated can happen in a city not on a coast. 

 

 

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

The only negative thing I found with the article is a hint of condescension...

 

"hint"?  Ha!  Good press for Columbus, though, no doubt.

It's like when Bill O'Reilly reported back after going to a soul food restaurant and said "It was a nice place! Everyone was eating with forks and knives like regular people and no one said, "Hey motherf-cker, get me a glass of water!"

^Perfect analogy.

I think it's ironic that the gay population of Columbus is touted to show how cosmopolitan and sophisticated the city is (in the New York Times' myopic view) while San Francisco and Atlanta are reviled for having "too many" gays, and are both portrayed as being "over run" by high heel wearing, sequined gowned  drag queens with advanced political agendas hell bent on terrorizing the citizenry and subjecting their precious children to unheard of depravity in education with books promoting god knows what unspeakable horrors.  Quite a schizophrenic take on the same population.  We should just be grateful that Columbus gets any press at all, and that it is good.  It is as though Columbus exists soley because of its gay poplulation, and SF and Atlanta and a few others exist in spite of theirs.

 

Guess the point is that any press is better than none. 

^What must be quite a shock to heartland cultural conservatives who actually visit NYC and SF is how un-exotic they really are.  I guess I'm not terribly objective having lived in such places for a long time now, but you get off the plane, enter NYC, and sure, it's really different in a lot of ways, but it's still full of people speaking English, having babies, wearing suits or sports jerseys and american flag pins, eating pizza, whatever.  Still unmistakably American.  But the moronic fringes of the punditry focus on the most extreme non-binding city council resolutions and most flamboyant characters to make it sound like these cities are on another planet.  It's kind of the flip side of how the coastal elite caricature "the midwest."

^What must be quite a shock to heartland cultural conservatives who actually visit NYC and SF is how un-exotic they really are.  I guess I'm not terribly objective having lived in such places for a long time now, but you get off the plane, enter NYC, and sure, it's really different in a lot of ways, but it's still full of people speaking English, having babies, wearing suits or sports jerseys and american flag pins, eating pizza, whatever.  Still unmistakably American.  But the moronic fringes of the punditry focus on the most extreme non-binding city council resolutions and most flamboyant characters to make it sound like these cities are on another planet.  It's kind of the flip side of how the coastal elite caricature "the midwest."

 

I remember when we went to Manhattan one time and got a little disoriented trying to find our car, I believe we parked on MacDougal, something like that. We were walking West on W. Houston past where it kind of forks awkwardly. I asked this older Manhattanite woman if my car was *this way* and she said, "No, you're parked back the other way, trust me, there's NOTHING that way." I couldn't help but laugh. A DEAD area in the heart of Manhattan! She was right, too.

^that sounds like the point where Houston St. crosses Broadway and becomes part of NoHo and then the dividing line between the East Village and the Lower East Side (fifty years ago it was all the LES, before they invented the E. Vill. :roll:). That hardly constitutes "NOTHING." She was probably from the suburbs!

 

oops, wait a minute--update: In my hasty act of defensiveness I was going east instead of west. That said, I assume she was talking about the point at 6th Ave. where Houston crosses west. This is where the Film Forum is--one of the most important venues for cinema in NYC. Going further west it's morphed into West Soho--yes, another made-up name--but a newly thriving commercial and residential district all the same. Again, that woman was from the 'burbs!

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

 

Hey, I guess I'm not the only one. I actually did a post on the article comparing it to one NYT article from 2007 and it was all about (duh) the Short North. Fast forward to today and it's not an article on revitalized Olde Towne East, Franklinton, etc, etc. I've resigned myself to the reality that not enough Columbus residents really want another revitalized (or gentrified) neighborhood like they do in other cities. Where these residents do exist they are spread out in too many different neighborhoods on totally opposite sides of the city, like the one transplant who lives in Kenmore Park up north. For the rest of urban Columbus, the only time they'll get involved in urban affairs is if parking meter rates are going to go way up. The less said about some of the local gay population the better. Let's just say every time I've been hit on it was just plain creepy and/or crude.

yeah hes in pioneering the ghetto maaan. because in columbus, you know, theres ghetto. ok ok i'll stop now heh!

 

i missed that one -- i agree with evrybody's take, but overall very nice article and good to see cols in the times.

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

 

Hey, I guess I'm not the only one. I actually did a post on the article comparing it to one NYT article from 2007 and it was all about (duh) the Short North. Fast forward to today and it's not an article on revitalized Olde Towne East, Franklinton, etc, etc. I've resigned myself to the reality that not enough Columbus residents really want another revitalized (or gentrified) neighborhood like they do in other cities. Where these residents do exist they are spread out in too many different neighborhoods on totally opposite sides of the city, like the one transplant who lives in Kenmore Park up north. For the rest of urban Columbus, the only time they'll get involved in urban affairs is if parking meter rates are going to go way up. The less said about some of the local gay population the better. Let's just say every time I've been hit on it was just plain creepy and/or crude.

 

This is probably because the Short North and German Village are the most remarkable things in Columbus.  That is not meant to be a shot at Columbus at all.  The Short North offers a long strip of urban, pedestrian friendly vibrancy not found many places in the US, let alone Ohio.  German Village, while a little sleepy, is a cute neighborhood, and a clear success story of historic preservation.  While there might be other strips of Columbus that are nice, they aren't near the level of the Short North.  Also, I tend to think of High St. from downtown all the way up past OSU as being "Short North", which actually covers quite a bit of territory.  When you have one street that clearly dominates like High does in OSU, it's easy for people to conglomerate everything as one 'area'.

Also, I tend to think of High St. from downtown all the way up past OSU as being "Short North", which actually covers quite a bit of territory. 

 

That's a big pet peeve of mine.  For a local example, it's like calling all of Uptown Cincinnati "Clifton."  Most people think that but as a local, it irks me as well.  The Short North clearly stops at around Euclid and the University District (or "High Street" the one broadcast announcers talk about) goes from there to about Dodridge/Old North Columbus mix.

^Yeah, it kind of irks me when people refer to all of Clifton as Uptown too, but it is what it is.  In Uptown at least the NBD's are scattered on different streets (Short Vine, Ludlow, Calhoun/McMillan).  In Columbus where High acts as the NBD for many of the neighborhoods between Downtown and OSU, it's harder to tell where neighborhoods start/stop.  It could be spun as a good thing, as people (like me) tend to think of the "Short North" as being this amazing huge area, kind of building it up to be far greater/bigger than it is.

People in America can't even distinguish Indiana from Illinois on a map, you think Cincinnatians, especially people in uncultured areas like Bridgetown are going to know the boundaries of Clifton? I will say this...Cincinnati has some really small neighborhoods. The sub-neighborhoods make it even more confusing and the subtle changes in architecture and urban form across those boundaries don't necessarily help you distinguish the neighborhoods. Go north of 5th st. in Columbus and it feels much different than south of 5th St. which would be in the "Short North." German Village has much different architecture than Marion Village, etc. They keep it simple on the west side - you have the Bottoms or "Franklinton" and the frickin Hilltop. I like that.

Er, 5th Avenue, David. Don't wanna be that guy, but there is a 5th Street too (off Stelzer in Mann's Trailer Park).

My fault. I always get 5th Ave. bordering the Short North confused with 5th St. in the trailer park all the time! Forgive me.  :laugh:

i've always heard cbus

Oh please!

 

I this is all about quantity over quality!

You're right. Let me post the NYT's article on Cleveland's most "stylish" and "funky" gayborhood here.

You're right. Let me post the NYT's article on Cleveland's most "stylish" and "funky" gayborhood here.

 

i looked for that one for you, but found a "gayborhoods are passe" article first...!  :laugh:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/30gay.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=6a0c36709e9e15a5&ex=1351483200&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

You're right. Let me post the NYT's article on Cleveland's most "stylish" and "funky" gayborhood here.

 

i looked for that one for you, but found a "gayborhoods are passe" article first...! :laugh:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/30gay.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=6a0c36709e9e15a5&ex=1351483200&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

 

Then Lima wins.

You're right. Let me post the NYT's article on Cleveland's most "stylish" and "funky" gayborhood here.

 

i looked for that one for you, but found a "gayborhoods are passe" article first...!  :laugh:

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/30gay.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=6a0c36709e9e15a5&ex=1351483200&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

 

Then Lima wins.

 

surely you meant beavercreek?!!

 

BAA DUMP! tisssh! dont forget to tip the piano player -- we'll be here all week folks!  :laugh:

Oh please!

 

I this is all about quantity over quality!

 

No it's not. Shut up. Only people from Columbus can hate on the article. :D

I think it is great just to have Columbus get recognized for its large gay population, vibrant areas, progressiveness, open populace, stable economy, growth, the great OSU, and its mayor. The Midwest isn't just a bunch of hard line conservatives, hicks and farmers, but who really cares about what the coastal people think.

not just coastal people think that.  and you are right there are a few people who don't fit the bill.  the majority of us though...you spot on.

Coastal people control the media, so they control perception. Even Midwesterners think the Midwest is backwater and the coasts are progressive paradise (or alternately that the Midwest is "real America" and the coasts are some foreign land of liberal elites). The media presents a false dichotomy, people eat it up. And to some extent it becomes self-fulfilling as Midwestern progressives hightail it to the coasts.

Coastal people control the media, so they control perception. Even Midwesterners think the Midwest is backwater and the coasts are progressive paradise (or alternately that the Midwest is "real America" and the coasts are some foreign land of liberal elites). The media presents a false dichotomy, people eat it up. And to some extent it becomes self-fulfilling as Midwestern progressives hightail it to the coasts.

 

Being "the media" is that an opinion or fact based?

^ Where is your headquarters?

^ Where is your headquarters?

 

Coastal elitist!

Coastal elitist!

 

^ Where is your headquarters?

 

Exactly...most media is headquartered in NYC and LA, so it's coastal centric. Why do you think that is only opinion???

^ Where is your headquarters?

 

Exactly...most media is headquartered in NYC and LA, so it's coastal centric. Why do you think that is only opinion???

 

I asked, just answer instead of beating around the bush.

 

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

 

Hey, I guess I'm not the only one. I actually did a post on the article comparing it to one NYT article from 2007 and it was all about (duh) the Short North. Fast forward to today and it's not an article on revitalized Olde Towne East, Franklinton, etc, etc. I've resigned myself to the reality that not enough Columbus residents really want another revitalized (or gentrified) neighborhood like they do in other cities. Where these residents do exist they are spread out in too many different neighborhoods on totally opposite sides of the city, like the one transplant who lives in Kenmore Park up north. For the rest of urban Columbus, the only time they'll get involved in urban affairs is if parking meter rates are going to go way up. The less said about some of the local gay population the better. Let's just say every time I've been hit on it was just plain creepy and/or crude.

 

 

Wow Columbusite.  I have been following your posts for years on Cbusunderground (when you went there) and on this site, since about 2004.  However, you are really off mark here on your comment.  I happen to be a member of Columbus' gay community.

 

What should be learned from this article is that Columbus' gay community is part of the cities identity.  But the true general story is that Columbus is a welcoming, generally socially progressive community and the gay community is just an example of that.

However, your comment paints a different picture. 

 

As long as I am here this gay community will be heard about on the national level. Being an urbanist yourself you should share the same view.  There are other things to write about, in Columbus, but saying less should be written about "creepy or rude" guys that hit on you is a sad argument and comes off backwards.  Your the only one with an issue here and think that should be addressed not Columbus' gay press.

 

 

 

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

 

Hey, I guess I'm not the only one. I actually did a post on the article comparing it to one NYT article from 2007 and it was all about (duh) the Short North. Fast forward to today and it's not an article on revitalized Olde Towne East, Franklinton, etc, etc. I've resigned myself to the reality that not enough Columbus residents really want another revitalized (or gentrified) neighborhood like they do in other cities. Where these residents do exist they are spread out in too many different neighborhoods on totally opposite sides of the city, like the one transplant who lives in Kenmore Park up north. For the rest of urban Columbus, the only time they'll get involved in urban affairs is if parking meter rates are going to go way up. The less said about some of the local gay population the better. Let's just say every time I've been hit on it was just plain creepy and/or crude.

 

 

Wow Columbusite. I have been following your posts for years on Cbusunderground (when you went there) and on this site, since about 2004. However, you are really off mark here on your comment. I happen to be a member of Columbus' gay community.

 

What should be learned from this article is that Columbus' gay community is part of the cities identity. But the true general story is that Columbus is a welcoming, generally socially progressive community and the gay community is just an example of that.

However, your comment paints a different picture.

 

As long as I am here this gay community will be heard about on the national level. Being an urbanist yourself you should share the same view. There are other things to write about, in Columbus, but saying less should be written about "creepy or rude" guys that hit on you is a sad argument and comes off backwards. Your the only one with an issue here and think that should be addressed not Columbus' gay press.

 

 

 

Hey Sean, can we get some background info on you? I see a couple of your posts but I didn't even know you live in Columbus or are involved in Columbus affairs. Are you a transplant or did you grow up here? Do you actually live in the Short North? Are you involved in Stonewall Columbus or Equality Ohio or some organization like that? (You said as long as you're here, Columbus will be known for it's gay community.)

 

It seems that all of these articles talk about the Short North and it's gay population, non-stop. I'm thinking someone is getting bribes for this publicity; it's just too strange. There are gays everywhere in Columbus. Not even close to all of them live in the Short North. Especially if oyu include lesbians. There's this common formula they use where they pick the gayest, trendiest neighborhood and act as if it's the only highlight of the city. Most people who visit the Short North are suburbanites who still get amazed by it because they go sporadically, not very often. Maybe for Gallery Hop or a fun night out every now and then.

 

Living in or near the Short North is a whole different story. If you live there, you notice it's the same dynamic every time you go. It's just boring and annoying to me, now. It's almost like a gimmick to me. They try too hard to be trendy. There's very few places worth going to in the SN, imo. I go to Northstar and Skully's, usually. Skully's is kind of pushing it because of all the crazies you get there.

 

 

When I lived on 8th St, I'd walk my dog down High St. and Victorian Village/Italian Village and have to put up with gay guys hollering at me from their cars. Try to get me to go with them to bars and stuff. It was disgusting. I've never went to any of the gay bars but I'd imagine the bar/club scene is about equivalent to Park St. for straight people *almost vomits*.

 

Gay publicity for Columbus - I'm cool with that but I'm sick of all the articles that focus on how great/uber gay the Short North is. That area really is not that special. I'd much rather be around German Village gays and to me that neighborhood is much better than the SN neighborhoods. Right now, we need Olde Town east, Franklinton and various other overlooked neighborhoods to get the spotlight. Articles like these aren't helping that cause.

 

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

 

Hey, I guess I'm not the only one. I actually did a post on the article comparing it to one NYT article from 2007 and it was all about (duh) the Short North. Fast forward to today and it's not an article on revitalized Olde Towne East, Franklinton, etc, etc. I've resigned myself to the reality that not enough Columbus residents really want another revitalized (or gentrified) neighborhood like they do in other cities. Where these residents do exist they are spread out in too many different neighborhoods on totally opposite sides of the city, like the one transplant who lives in Kenmore Park up north. For the rest of urban Columbus, the only time they'll get involved in urban affairs is if parking meter rates are going to go way up. The less said about some of the local gay population the better. Let's just say every time I've been hit on it was just plain creepy and/or crude.

 

 

Wow Columbusite.  I have been following your posts for years on Cbusunderground (when you went there) and on this site, since about 2004.  However, you are really off mark here on your comment.  I happen to be a member of Columbus' gay community.

 

What should be learned from this article is that Columbus' gay community is part of the cities identity.  But the true general story is that Columbus is a welcoming, generally socially progressive community and the gay community is just an example of that.

However, your comment paints a different picture. 

 

As long as I am here this gay community will be heard about on the national level. Being an urbanist yourself you should share the same view.  There are other things to write about, in Columbus, but saying less should be written about "creepy or rude" guys that hit on you is a sad argument and comes off backwards.  Your the only one with an issue here and think that should be addressed not Columbus' gay press.

 

Sean - Unfortunately, these unsolicited incidents were imposed on me: if it was Union or Axis where these propositions occured, well, duh, of course that would be expected, but I avoid those places. I find it hard it believe that all of these incidents were isolated and not indicative of something that occurs regularly. I've also had an unpleasant exerience with a gay roommate (never again) and have a friend who also experienced unwanted, aggressive propositioning at a neighborhood bar up north: he found it strange and uncomfortable. And he's from San Francisco.

 

 

I'd be impressed if they made an article about Columbus that didn't include the words gay and Short North. That's all you ever hear about from the media. The SN is so stale to me. You go there enough and the novelty wears off quick. It becomes Easton with panhandlers.

 

Hey, I guess I'm not the only one. I actually did a post on the article comparing it to one NYT article from 2007 and it was all about (duh) the Short North. Fast forward to today and it's not an article on revitalized Olde Towne East, Franklinton, etc, etc. I've resigned myself to the reality that not enough Columbus residents really want another revitalized (or gentrified) neighborhood like they do in other cities. Where these residents do exist they are spread out in too many different neighborhoods on totally opposite sides of the city, like the one transplant who lives in Kenmore Park up north. For the rest of urban Columbus, the only time they'll get involved in urban affairs is if parking meter rates are going to go way up. The less said about some of the local gay population the better. Let's just say every time I've been hit on it was just plain creepy and/or crude.

 

 

Wow Columbusite.  I have been following your posts for years on Cbusunderground (when you went there) and on this site, since about 2004.  However, you are really off mark here on your comment.  I happen to be a member of Columbus' gay community.

 

What should be learned from this article is that Columbus' gay community is part of the cities identity.  But the true general story is that Columbus is a welcoming, generally socially progressive community and the gay community is just an example of that.

However, your comment paints a different picture. 

 

As long as I am here this gay community will be heard about on the national level. Being an urbanist yourself you should share the same view.  There are other things to write about, in Columbus, but saying less should be written about "creepy or rude" guys that hit on you is a sad argument and comes off backwards.  Your the only one with an issue here and think that should be addressed not Columbus' gay press.

 

 

 

Hey Sean, can we get some background info on you? I see a couple of your posts but I didn't even know you live in Columbus or are involved in Columbus affairs. Are you a transplant or did you grow up here? Do you actually live in the Short North? Are you involved in Stonewall Columbus or Equality Ohio or some organization like that? (You said as long as you're here, Columbus will be known for it's gay community.)

 

It seems that all of these articles talk about the Short North and it's gay population, non-stop. I'm thinking someone is getting bribes for this publicity; it's just too strange. There are gays everywhere in Columbus. Not even close to all of them live in the Short North. Especially if oyu include lesbians. There's this common formula they use where they pick the gayest, trendiest neighborhood and act as if it's the only highlight of the city. Most people who visit the Short North are suburbanites who still get amazed by it because they go sporadically, not very often. Maybe for Gallery Hop or a fun night out every now and then.

 

Living in or near the Short North is a whole different story. If you live there, you notice it's the same dynamic every time you go. It's just boring and annoying to me, now. It's almost like a gimmick to me. They try too hard to be trendy. There's very few places worth going to in the SN, imo. I go to Northstar and Skully's, usually. Skully's is kind of pushing it because of all the crazies you get there.

 

 

When I lived on 8th St, I'd walk my dog down High St. and Victorian Village/Italian Village and have to put up with gay guys hollering at me from their cars. Try to get me to go with them to bars and stuff. It was disgusting. I've never went to any of the gay bars but I'd imagine the bar/club scene is about equivalent to Park St. for straight people *almost vomits*.

 

Gay publicity for Columbus - I'm cool with that but I'm sick of all the articles that focus on how great/uber gay the Short North is. That area really is not that special. I'd much rather be around German Village gays and to me that neighborhood is much better than the SN neighborhoods. Right now, we need Olde Town east, Franklinton and various other overlooked neighborhoods to get the spotlight. Articles like these aren't helping that cause.

 

David - My previous response ties in with yours. Yes, the SN gay bars are the gay equivalent of Park St. In fact, regardless of location, gay bars are all basically cookie cutter establishments (same music, drag shows, etc). The Park St comparison certainly explains the behavior of some patrons when you put it in that perspective.

 

I do find it very questiionable that not even German Village has received similar press, yet the Short North gets covered again and again. I guess one thing to take away from the article is that New Yorkers are very suburban and find places like the Short North to be a novelty. There was a brief menton of Clintonville as having a large lesbian population. Clintonville (South) has plenty of funky shops, in fact, moreso than what the SN offfers. There are more local record shops, bookstores (new age unfortunately), affordable clothing stores, and Chinese markets than the SN off the top of my head. At the same time, the SBNA (Short North Business Association) is by far the most vocal of any local business association, so it could just be that they're the only ones pushing to get press in papers like the NYT.

 

Neighborhoods like Olde Towne East and Franklinton have seen improvements and I don't see why they wouldn't be worth covering at least in comparison to see what the now "hip" neghborhoods once looked like. Heck, they didn't even look at "Kenmore Park". All of these places have seen an increase in gay residents. Highland West also has a decent number, but the business district is rather devoid of anything you'd want to visit. It seems like local neighborhoods need to do a better job at promoting themselves outside of the city, if they are even doing so, that is. Gay publicity on Columbus' population should be much more comprehensive than just one business dsitrict.

Why are you guys getting picky about coverage in the NYT? I think Columbus should be happy just to be getting any positive coverage in the NYT.  I've said it before, but the Short North is a pretty unique place, especially for Ohio.  Clintonville or Old Town East might have some cool stores or decent architecture, but why would that warrant coverage in the New York Times? Lots of places have record shops and bookstores.  Few places can claim a street with consistant vibrancy as High St. through the SN. 

 

When the NYT does a piece on Cincinnati they usually focus on a couple of neighborhoods (OTR, Northside), while neglecting to mention Hyde Park, Mt. Adams, Clifton, etc.  Generally speaking these neighborhoods are more architecturally significant/interesting than Cbus neighborhoods, yet they still don't get coverage.  A national publication is going to focus on the most noteworthy aspect of a city and ignore the rest.  That's just the way these things go.

In the 70s German Village was the darling of the media.  It just is the way it is...be grateful for any and all positive exposure, and be happy that it is not the dreadful exposure that Cleveland gets bombarded with on a regular basis.

 

And I have to agree with Sean...the comments about Columbus' gay population were really out of line.  So what if you got hit on by someone creepy?  Gay men get hit on by rude, course, sleazeball women all the time. Should we say that the less said about Columbus' straight population the better?  It is just a part of living in an urban environment. 

 

When I visit Columbus I can't wait to get to the Short North.  It is one of the few areas that has any life, is original and  has some unique offerings.  Columbus is a great city, and extremely undervalued in the national consciousness.  Anything that brings it attention, without negativity, is fantastic.  Much better that it be known for its vibrant gay neighborhood than its bad slums or industrial wastelands.

Exactly, the national media seems to think that Cleveland is all Slavic Village and Kinsman.  If I were from Columbus I'd be pretty happy that the national media was reporting on at least one of my city's strong points.  General rule of thumb- don't b*tch about getting praise!

Whether they are straight or gay, men are pushy sometimes.

Exactly, the national media seems to think that Cleveland is all Slavic Village and Kinsman. If I were from Columbus I'd be pretty happy that the national media was reporting on at least one of my city's strong points. General rule of thumb- don't b*tch about getting praise!

 

I think Columbus is at the point in its life where it can criticize as Columbus has had fairly positive press since the 70's.  I think there is perfect justification for which the "praising of the Short North" DOES get old and there ARE other neighborhoods that are worth the NYT article in the city that go unnoticed, particularly for the artistic/hipster movement (Marion Village comes to mind) or historic gentrification clashings (Olde Town East).

Whether they are straight or gay, men are pushy sometimes.

 

AWWWW SHUT UP!

Sean - Unfortunately, these unsolicited incidents were imposed on me: if it was Union or Axis where these propositions occured, well, duh, of course that would be expected, but I avoid those places. I find it hard it believe that all of these incidents were isolated and not indicative of something that occurs regularly. I've also had an unpleasant exerience with a gay roommate (never again) and have a friend who also experienced unwanted, aggressive propositioning at a neighborhood bar up north: he found it strange and uncomfortable. And he's from San Francisco.

So what if you had a bad experience with one gay guy as a roommate (I am assuming that he came on to you or did something more aggressive), but I can assure you that we are not all like that. I have had several straight roommates while living on KSU's campus and I have generally gotten along with all of them and the only problem I ever had with one of them was not related to my sexuality (one of my ex-roommates was a chronic masturbator).

 

As to gay guys harassing you on the streets while in the Short North, I have been there plenty of times with my straight friends (both male and female) and the most harassing I have seen came from straight creepers hanging around the gay clubs/bars trying to hit on women. Not that I am saying you weren't harassed, but it is not like just gay men are aggressive and rude, there are plenty of rude, straight pendejos out there.

Sean - Unfortunately, these unsolicited incidents were imposed on me: if it was Union or Axis where these propositions occured, well, duh, of course that would be expected, but I avoid those places. I find it hard it believe that all of these incidents were isolated and not indicative of something that occurs regularly. I've also had an unpleasant exerience with a gay roommate (never again) and have a friend who also experienced unwanted, aggressive propositioning at a neighborhood bar up north: he found it strange and uncomfortable. And he's from San Francisco.

So what if you had a bad experience with one gay guy as a roommate (I am assuming that he came on to you or did something more aggressive), but I can assure you that we are not all like that. I have had several straight roommates while living on KSU's campus and I have generally gotten along with all of them and the only problem I ever had with one of them was not related to my sexuality (one of my ex-roommates was a chronic masturbator).

 

As to gay guys harassing you on the streets while in the Short North, I have been there plenty of times with my straight friends (both male and female) and the most harassing I have seen came from straight creepers hanging around the gay clubs/bars trying to hit on women. Not that I am saying you weren't harassed, but it is not like just gay men are aggressive and rude, there are plenty of rude, straight pendejos out there.

 

Andrew0816, honey how could you live with that?  Ewwwwww :|

^I couldn't, that's why I moved to a different building and had three amazing (straight) roommates who were not creepy and were tons of fun to be around.

^I couldn't, that's why I moved to a different building and had three amazing (straight) roommates who were not creepy and were tons of fun to be around.

 

thank good I lived with family during my years at OSU

Whether they are straight or gay, men are pushy sometimes.

 

AWWWW SHUT UP!

 

 

 

That's right woman, get your clothes off. AND NO BACKTALK OR I'LL BRAIN YA!